Whilst health alerts about excessive caffeine intake are widespread, coffee lovers can celebrate the guidance from one NHS GP who has revealed her top 10 reasons for savouring the beloved hot drink.
Dr Renee Hoenderkamp turned to TikTok to outline the numerous advantages of a quality cup of coffee. “We so often get told that coffee is bad and we should cut down or completely stop,” she began in a video. “But whilst everything can be bad in large amounts, I go with the motto, ‘in moderation’, in which caffeine can be a force for good.”
The GP and medical writer then set about “undemonising” the popular drink. “Unless you are drinking gallons of it, coffee has health benefits that can extend life,” she proclaimed.
She continued: “I love coffee and I drink about five cups per day… sometimes more. Moderate coffee drinkers are associated with an increased longevity and a lower risk of early death. Studies suggest caffeine can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and death from any cause.”
The doctor also explained that coffee beans contain abundant polyphenols alongside antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which are “freed” into the beverage during the roasting and milling process.
Dr Hoenderkamp proceeded to clarify that dark roasted coffee reduces DNA breakdown, a natural process that can result in cancer or tumours if cells fail to repair the damage. “So less breakage equals less disease,” she explained, noting that both decaffeinated and regular coffee can lower colon cancer risk by up to 23 per cent in certain studies.
The doctor further disclosed that caffeine helps the body manage blood sugar more effectively. “Coffee drinkers appear to be less likely to develop diabetes,” she stated, adding that the caffeine found in two cups of coffee might also offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr Hoenderkamp highlighted another potential health advantage, saying: “Just one cup of coffee a day reduces your risk of a stroke – I am terrified of strokes as I have seen the disabling ability and the indignity it brings.”
And she also praised coffee’s “neurodegenerative protection qualities” – not only for Alzheimer’s, but for Parkinson’s disease as well. “Caffeine is linked to a lower chance of developing Parkinson’s disease and for those with the condition, better control of their movements,” Dr Hoenderkamp explained.
Meanwhile, the GP mentioned that regular decaffeinated coffee also seems to benefit the liver. “Research shows that coffee drinkers are more likely to have a healthy range of liver enzymes compared to people who don’t drink coffee,” she revealed.
Dr Hoenderkamp then delved into the topic of the microbiome – our body’s defence against bacteria. “Coffee drinkers have a more diverse microbiome and a healthy gut is a healthy human,” she stated.
In her final point on the benefits of coffee, the doctor cited recent research which found that two compounds in caffeine – kahweol and cafestol – inhibited the growth of prostate and kidney cancer cells in lab studies. Concluding, Dr Hoenderkamp reminded her followers: “Now remember, some people are more sensitive to the stimulant effects of caffeine and some are slower metabolisers – so be guided by your body and don’t overdo it.”
NHS guidance cautions that excessive caffeine intake (more than 600mg/day) can lead to anxiety, insomnia, agitation, palpitations, diarrhoea, and restlessness.
